Bucksport in Hancock County, Maine — The American Northeast (New England)
The Robinson House and Jed Prouty Tavern
Bucksport, Maine
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Photographed by Steve Stoessel, September 28, 2024
1. The Robinson House and Jed Prouty Tavern Marker
Once the largest hotel in eastern Maine, the Robinson House was built as a private home in 1783, and converted to a tavern and lodging in 1820. The hotel hosted a number of famous Americans in the 19th century, including five presidents: William Henry Harrison, John Tyler, Martin Van Buren, Andrew Jackson, and Millard Fillmore.
Union Army General Benjamin Butler, Vice President John C. Calhoun, politician Stephen L. Douglas, and Jefferson Davis all spent time at the Robinson House. American statesman Daniel Webster stayed here during the negotiations of the Webster-Ashburton Treaty, which finalized the border between Maine and British Canada in 1842.
In 1889, Bucksport resident Richard Golden premiered his play Old Jed Prouty in New York City. Golden also played the title role, a comedic Maine tavern keeper living in the coastal town of Bucksport. The popular play was performed over 3,000 times in venues all over the eastern half of the U.S., and in 1908, proprietor Rufus Googins renamed the Robinson House as the Jed Prouty Tavern.
In 2012, the building was remodeled as an assisted living facility.
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Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1783.
Location. 44° 34.302′ N, 68° 47.591′ W. Marker is in Bucksport, Maine, in Hancock County. It is at the intersection of Main Street (Maine Route 15) and Central Street, on the right when traveling west on Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Bucksport ME 04416, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Downeast Maine and on Penobscot Bay. It is also in the American Northeast, in New England, and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Great North Woods, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France and also Acadia.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Buck Memorial Library (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Bucksports Fishing History (about 300 feet away); Panαwahpskek, The Penobscot Homeland
Photographed by Steve Stoessel, September 28, 2024
2. The Robinson House and Jed Prouty Tavern Marker
Photographed by Steve Stoessel, September 28, 2024
3. The Robinson House and Jed Prouty Tavern Marker
Photographed by Steve Stoessel, September 28, 2024
4. The Robinson House and Jed Prouty Tavern Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on September 29, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 29, 2024, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York. This page has been viewed 613 times since then and 79 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 29, 2024, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York.
